Dave,
One thing I forgot to say - there is a fellow on the Hillman list
who has just organised high quality reproductions of the rubber seals
that fit around the 1/4 windows (wing or flipper windows) for Rapier
and Minx convertibles. These have been unavailable for years
(decades?)and if your car needs some he is the man to contact
Cheers,
Vic
--- In sunbeamrapier@..., "Vic Hughes" <rhughes@...>
wrote:
>
> Hi Dave(?),
>
>
>
> Whereabouts in the world are you? we have folk from all over in the
> yahoogroups. I don't own a Rapier myself but do know someone
currently
> restoring a Series II Convertible. I myself have a Sunbeam Alpine
III
> (1963).
>
>
>
> As mentioned by Rod, I suggest you join the HillmanCars group -
here is the
> page for them
>
>
>
> http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/HillmanCars/
>
>
>
> Rapiers are closely related to Hillman Minxes (basically a sporting
hardtop
> version of them) and there are several Rapier owners in the Hillman
group
> including Jim Mazour who keeps the registry of Rapiers in the USA
>
>
>
> Cheers,
>
>
>
> Vic
>
>
>
i'm currently restoring a Series 2 also (but convertible), and i've been documenting most of my progress on a website called the rusty little rapier . i have accumulated (3) 1959 series 2's and have lots of spares if you are in need of a part. i'm in the states.
Whereabouts in the world are you? we have folk from all
over in the yahoogroups. I don’t own a Rapier myself but do know
someone currently restoring a Series II Convertible. I myself have a
Sunbeam Alpine III (1963).
As mentioned by Rod, I suggest you join the HillmanCars
group – here is the page for them
Rapiers are closely related to Hillman Minxes (basically a
sporting hardtop version of them) and there are several Rapier owners in the
Hillman group including Jim Mazour who keeps the registry of Rapiers in the USA
Cheers,
Vic
From: sunbeamrapier@...
[mailto:sunbeamrapier@...] On Behalf Of davemollman Sent: Tuesday, 13 January 2009 6:45 AM To: sunbeamrapier@... Subject: [sunbeamrapier] 59 sunbeam rapier
hello everyone i just purchased a 59 sunbeam
rapier 11 hardtop and and
looking to talk with people who know about these cars.
Welcome to the group. Wherabouts are you located ?
We are a small group but also associated with the Yahoo Group for
Hillman cars where there are are also quite a few early rapier owners.
Post a photo of your car when you get a chance.
Rod G.
--- In sunbeamrapier@..., "davemollman"
<davemollman@...> wrote:
>
> hello everyone i just purchased a 59 sunbeam rapier 11 hardtop and
and
> looking to talk with people who know about these cars.
>
When the Rapier fastback was introduced it was destined to be fitted
with a Ford 289 or 302 V8 as a replacement for the Tiger and it was
codenamed project Allegro. When Chrysler took over they canned the
project but some cars were converted to Allegro specs. I have seen two
but I have decided my next fastback project will go down this path. I
am presently hunting a Ford 289 or 302 V8 and auto but wonder if anyone
has any data on this conversion with regard to engine and gearbox
mounts etc. I had heard there may be a problem with the steering box
location as well. If anyone can assist this will be most welcomed. The
car I have has been stored for 18 years and is rust free and straight
so it should make a good project over a few months.
Rod G.
-----Original Message-----
From: sunbeammadd <sunbeammadd@...>
To: sunbeamrapier@...
Sent: Mon, 9 Jun 2008 2:05
Subject: [sunbeamrapier] Rapier in the Indian Army
Half way thru the year we are already. Mmmmmm - time it is to think of what portends (The force is strong in this one) :-)
To be honest, I want to get the 2009 calendar ready a bit earlier this year so that the 'internet challenged' in various car clubs can have time to organise their orders and actually have it before the year starts. So, as usual, I'm on the lookout (scrounge) for pics. As in past years it will have a variety of makes and models. I already have several "definites" (and very nice they are too) but could use an extra Hillman, a couple of Sunbeams (other than Alpines) and as many as 3 Humbers. Rootes Singers, Commers and Karriers will also be considered favourably! Some of you have already promised pics and I will be on your case very soon!! (Peter in England, I'm anxious for that 'beetleback' picture)
As Always:
It will be a 12 month, full colour, spiral bound, A4 size calendar; printed on quality glossy paper, one page per month (plus cover). If you would like to look at an example of the 2008 edition, try this link http://www.lulu.com/content/1236678 (this is the USA version, so if you are thinking of buying one, contact me as there are versions available with other holiday dates)
It will be print on demand from Lulu publishing in the US - no minimum order, buy 1 or 100.
It's not for profit, I don't pay you for the pics, I don't make a cent, and you pay the absolute minimum for the calendar. Last year it was under US$11.30 plus postage for a single copy in the USA and under US$20 airmailed to Australia. When the calendar is ready for purchase I will post messages with the link to buy it
Cheers, and thanks to those who have contributed already.
2 non sunbeam listings so it was time for him to go. Excommunication
done !!!
Rod G.
--- In sunbeamrapier@..., "Vic & Rosalie Hughes"
<rhughes@...> wrote:
>
> Hmmm, doesn't look much like a Sunbeam to me..... - could be time
to excommunicate a spammer
>
> Vic
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: martin.menez
> To: sunbeamrapier@...
> Sent: Wednesday, June 11, 2008 6:53 PM
> Subject: [sunbeamrapier] toyota Corona
>
>
> Description:
> Engine reconditioned 30000kms ago, well looked after, interior
excellent condition.visit Australian Used Cars for Sale website for
more details.
>
>
>
>
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Queensland, Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra and other
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want Australian Cars seller and buyers to be connected easily using
our website.Everyone can post free Cars Classifieds, do car auctions,
search for lots of Used Automobile for Sale and buy or sell cars.
>
>
> Visit our car blogs:
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>
>
> READ CAR NEWS
>
> *Cars of Death Race revealed
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Description: Engine reconditioned 30000kms ago, well looked after, interior excellent condition.visit Australian Used Cars for Sale website for more details.
Buy in thousands of Australian used Cars for Sale from Queensland, Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra and other part of Australia sell by private car owners and car dealers special.
Description: Engine reconditioned 30000kms ago, well looked after, interior excellent condition.visit Australian Used Cars for Sale website for more details.
Buy in thousands of Australian used Cars for Sale from Queensland, Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra and other part of Australia sell by private car owners and car dealers special.
--- In sunbeamrapier@..., "Vic & Rosalie Hughes"
<rhughes@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Marc,
>
> If your Rapier is a Series II it will probably share more parts with a
Hillman Minx than with the Alpine. However, because Sunbeam Rapiers,
Alpines; Hillmans and Humbers Rapier,Alpine, Hillman and Humber Vwere
all produced by the Rootes group they all share many parts, including
the oil pump/distributor - yes they are basically the same on all 4
cylinder cars, as they all used the same engine block (until the later
1725 cc 5 bearing motor).
>
> By the way, both Series II and Series III Rapiers were produced in
1959 - the main difference is the SIII had the alloy head motor as used
in the Alpine SI. If you'r not sure which yours is, if you have the
chassis number (it should be on an aluminium plate under the bonnet) we
can figure it out for you. It would also be a good idea to check the
engine number (which is located on a flat surface of the block near the
fuel pump). When the Rapier left the factory the engine number would
have been the same as the chassis number, but many of these cars have
had their engine blocks changed over the years. My own Alpine III now
has the block from a Hillman Super MInx and I know several others with
Hillman Hunter blocks.
>
> I would also suggest that you join the Hillmancars yahoogroup, you
will find many Hillman owners (and even a Rapier II owner) and a very
friendly bunch of people some of whom have parts cars that you may be
able to get a dissy/oil pump from. here is the url
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/HillmanCars/
>
> Finally, where are you? I'm guessing somewhere in Australia but as
Yahoogroups attract people from all round the world it's difficult to
tell. I know of two other Rapier IIs in Aus, one in Longreach Qld, the
other in Cootamundra NSW.
>
> Cheers, Vic
hey thanks for the reply Vic
i just signed up for the Hillman group too
my rapier has an iron head 1494cc motor in it, with matching
motor/vehicle numbers. when i pruchased the vehicle, the motor had just
been pulled due to a spun main bearing. so far i have redone the the
long block (pistons, rings, bearings, valves etc...) but i am running
into ancillary issues. i dont know very much about the vehicle company
history so parts have been a bit difficult to procure.
thanks again
marc
Replying to my own email, first sign of insanity I think. However that
first para should have read
Cheers, Vic
Hi Marc,
If your Rapier is a Series II it will probably share more parts with a
Hillman Minx than with the Alpine. However, because Sunbeams, Hillmans and
Humbers were all produced by the Rootes group they all share many parts,
including the oil pump/distributor - yes they are basically the same on all
4 cylinder cars, as they all used the same engine block (until the later
1725 cc 5 bearing motor).
If your Rapier is a Series II it will probably share more parts with a Hillman Minx than with the Alpine. However, because Sunbeam Rapiers, Alpines; Hillmans and Humbers Rapier,Alpine, Hillman and Humber Vwere all produced by the Rootes group they all share many parts, including the oil pump/distributor - yes they are basically the same on all 4 cylinder cars, as they all used the same engine block (until the later 1725 cc 5 bearing motor).
By the way, both Series II and Series III Rapiers were produced in 1959 - the main difference is the SIII had the alloy head motor as used in the Alpine SI. If you'r not sure which yours is, if you have the chassis number (it should be on an aluminium plate under the bonnet) we can figure it out for you. It would also be a good idea to check the engine number (which is located on a flat surface of the block near the fuel pump). When the Rapier left the factory the engine number would have been the same as the chassis number, but many of these cars have had their engine blocks changed over the years. My own Alpine III now has the block from a Hillman Super MInx and I know several others with Hillman Hunter blocks.
I would also suggest that you join the Hillmancars yahoogroup, you will find many Hillman owners (and even a Rapier II owner) and a very friendly bunch of people some of whom have parts cars that you may be able to get a dissy/oil pump from. here is the url http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/HillmanCars/
Finally, where are you? I'm guessing somewhere in Australia but as Yahoogroups attract people from all round the world it's difficult to tell. I know of two other Rapier IIs in Aus, one in Longreach Qld, the other in Cootamundra NSW.
i've just recently aquired an 59' series II rapier and i'm looking for a little parts reference info. i was told that this year sunbeam shares many of the same parts as an Alpine series 1, is this true? the motor i have requires a new oil pump and distributor, and i can't seem to locate a rapier replacement, but Apline parts seem to be plentiful... thanks marc
i've just recently aquired an 59' series II rapier and i'm looking for
a little parts reference info. i was told that this year sunbeam
shares many of the same parts as an Alpine series 1, is this true?
the motor i have requires a new oil pump and distributor, and i can't
seem to locate a rapier replacement, but Apline parts seem to be
plentiful...
thanks
marc
Theres one on Ebay UK right now, for LHD models
Item 330239195965
(just fgo to ebay and search this number)
Cheers, Vic
----- Original Message -----
From: stringslinga73
To: sunbeamrapier@...
Sent: Sunday, June 01, 2008 1:51 PM
Subject: [sunbeamrapier] Re: banger racing fastbacks
>
Thanks for the massage. I am looking for a turn signal indicator for a
1969 sunbeam rapier fastback, do u have any for sale? used one would
be fine, thanks Tucson Tony
--- In sunbeamrapier@..., "sunbeammadd"
<sunbeammadd@...> wrote:
>
> :(
>
> http://mysite.wanadoo-
members.co.uk/atozofbangerracing1/Sunbeam/Rapier/index.html
>
Thanks for the massage. I am looking for a turn signal indicator for a
1969 sunbeam rapier fastback, do u have any for sale? used one would
be fine, thanks Tucson Tony
Appologies for not updating earlier but it has been a busy few months.
I have entered the Variety Bash for the first time this year- going
from toowoomba to Bathurst in October and viewing the V8 supercar
race. For those overseas members the Bash is organised by Variety-
The Children's charity.Each year they invite cars over 30 years old
to enter the Bash which has different start and finish locations each
year. Most cars are decorated in theme and the route takes entrants
through various country towns along the way. Each entrant is required
to raise a minimum of $7000 for variety which goes towards helping
children in need. ie purchase of braile equipment, wheel chairs, etc.
I am running a Hillman Hunter wagon in this years event which means I
am flat out on fundraising at present. I am still looking for a
navigator for the event so if anyone can spare 2 weeks in october let
me know.
As a result of the bash my race Rapier hasbeen grounded with only two
races planned this year.
The yellow ex New Zealand Fastback is still for sale and is
definately the pick of the bunch at present in that it drives so
nicely.
Other Hunter and Rapier projects have been put on hold dependent on
getting the bash car ready first.
Hope everyone in the group is well and the Rapiers are cruising the
streets.
Cheers
Rod G.
This message has nothing to do with our forum so do not spam this
site again.
RG
Sunbeam Rapier Group Administrator--- In
sunbeamrapier@..., "martin.menez" <martin.menez@...>
wrote:
>
> Description:
> Professional fitout (Victoria Motorhomes) in 2001, Tassie oak. Honda
> Prelude seats for driver & passenger. 3way fridge. Gas hot water & 3
> burner hot plates.Electrolux awning & a/c. Tv aerial. Shower &
cassette
> toilet. 12mths rego. H/R towbar. New crank battery. Duel battery
system.
> 5 seat belts. All paperwork for services & repairs. Plenty of
storage.
> Ballina area.for more info see it here
> http://cars.ozfreeonline.com/3061/Passenger-Vehicles/Ford/EF-FORD-
FALCON\
> .html.
>
> Buy or Sell Used Cars from Australia. Oz Free provides free listing
of
> cars for sale <%20http:=> , car prices of any vehicles with good
value
> sell by private owners and car dealers from Australia.
>
> Visit our car blogs:
> http://cars.blogs.ozfreeonline.com
> Car blogs <http://mycarfacts.blogspot.com/>
>
Description: Professional fitout (Victoria Motorhomes) in 2001, Tassie oak. Honda Prelude seats for driver & passenger. 3way fridge. Gas hot water & 3 burner hot plates.Electrolux awning & a/c. Tv aerial. Shower & cassette toilet. 12mths rego. H/R towbar. New crank battery. Duel battery system. 5 seat belts. All paperwork for services & repairs. Plenty of storage. Ballina area.for more info see it here http://cars.ozfreeonline.com/3061/Passenger-Vehicles/Ford/EF-FORD-FALCON.html.
Buy or Sell Used Cars from Australia. Oz Free provides free listing of cars for sale, car prices of any vehicles with good value sell by private owners and car dealers from Australia.
Visit our car blogs:
http://cars.blogs.ozfreeonline.com
Car blogs
Toni
Have you looked at trademe.co.nz New Zealand had a few of these cars so
keeping tabs there and ebay may be a chance. Also the Sunbeam Car
Clubs in New Zealand are quite healthy so have a look for them on the
net and good luck with your search
Rod G.
--- In sunbeamrapier@..., "stringslinga73"
<stringslinga73@...> wrote:
>
> Hello from Tucson Arizona. I recently purchase a Alpine Gt 1969 and I
> am looking for part to make car road worthy. please email me with
any
> lead for part. thanks toni
>
Hello from Tucson Arizona. I recently purchase a Alpine Gt 1969 and I
am looking for part to make car road worthy. please email me with any
lead for part. thanks toni
Merry Christmas to all on the group. I hope you have a safe festive
season and that santa brings you some much desired parts or accessories.
Since registering the ex NZ Rapier a few weeks ago the other cars have
not been driven as it is such a nice car on the road. Unfortunately it
is up for sale so I can hit some other projects.
I did a deal this morning on a mazda 2 litre and 5 speed to go into my
yellow Hunter wagon as this will make it a very user friendly older
car, particularly for towing the teardrop camper around.
Next year the race rapier will earn some new bits including the
distributor, cold air induction and full adjustable commodore front
struts and a locked diff so it should be a a more potent racer in
future.Unfortunately it all takes time and money so see how we go in
the coming months.
All the Best
Rod G.
Each of my Rapier fastbacks have been leaking fuel through the now hard
and brittle rubber O ring on the flip cap. Does anyone know where I can
get replacements or if there is another product to use? I need one
urgently for my ex NZ car plus will need them for the Race Rapier and
the next project fastback to be started in the new year.
Rod G.
After a few teething problems the yellow Fastback was finally
registered last Friday and the other cars haven't moved since. The
points are a little sad at present so I grabbed some parts and realised
the distribuor and pointsetc are very different. I am thinking of just
fitting a Hunter distributor but does anyone know about these as
getting points, condensors and rotot buttons may be a hassle unless I
have it converted.
Rod G.
After 2 years of delay (some by my own slackness) the ex NZ yellow
Rapier fastback was finally complianced today. Being a 1974 model it
had to comply with some extra rules including highback seats,
collapsible steering column, tyre placard plus at the last minuite I
needed to manufacture an emission compliance tag. It will be registered
later in the week and driven around till it is sold. Then I can start
on the next fastback project plus my Variety Bash Hunter wagon.
Rod G.